Always B Naughty rocketed to victory in the $548,000 Breeders Crown Open Mare Pace on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, stopping the timer in a new stakes record of 1:48.1 for driver Austin Hanners.
Sent off at 8-5 odds, Always B Naughty left the gate well, taking command immediately, and was never headed through quarter time fractions of :26.2; :54.3, and 1:22, before opening up lengths on the field in the late going. Favoured Sylvia Hanover (Tim Tetrick) made a mild bid and was the first to pull around the final turn, but was no match for the winner. Kobes Gigi got up for second for driver Yannick Gingras, while Tells On A Roll and Travis Cullen notched third, just a whisker in front of 4-5 choice Sylvia Hanover. Morning line favourite Twin B Joe Fresh was a late scratch due to lameness.
“When Twin B Joe Fresh was scratched I told Austin (driver Hanners) that I thought we had a big shot and to not get away last with her,” said winning trainer Todd Luther. “She’s been in some bad spots this year, but we’ve always tried to take care of her. This is amazing; you dream of winning a Breeders Crown but it’s great to have that dream come true.”
Trained by Todd Luther for owner Greg Luther Racing of Blacklick, Oh., the five-year-old daughter of Always B Miki - Ooh Shesa Badlands was sent off at 8-5 odds. Always B Naughty’s winning time was just a tick faster than her Breeders Crown prep clocking just a week prior. The brown mare now has 18 wins, 11 seconds, and 11 thirds in 61 career starts and upped her lifetime earnings to $1,069,632 with this most recent triumph.
“She’s a great mare and was a great mare before we bought her,” said winning owner Greg Luther. “Nancy Takter did a great job with her when she had her. Honestly, going down the backside, I felt we were a winner, because this mare never gets tired and she can take a lot of air. Everything just worked out perfectly for us on this big track. It’s always great to be able to celebrate with family and this has been just a wonderful experience for us.”
The Breeders Crown victory was a first for driver Austin Hanners, trainer Todd Luther and owner Greg Luther.
Always B Naughty returned $5.30 to win.
For the other recaps from Saturday's Breeders Crown finals, click here. To view the results from Saturday's card of harness racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(with files from Breeders Crown)